Currently, I am a working mom, but I am always looking for legitimate ways to make money from home and hope that at some point I will be able to stay home at least part-time. I frequent a number of message boards dedicated to bargain hunting and working from home. When people began to post testimonials about how they had made hundreds to thousands of dollars using GPT (“get paid to”) sites, I have to admit that I was intrigued and decided to get more information.
What are GPT sites?
GPT is an acronym for “get paid to” and essentially refers to websites where users are paid for completing a variety of tasks.
On “get paid to read” sites, users usually sign up to receive e-mail offers and advertisements. Typically, they are asked to click on a link in the advertisement and then they will be credited (in small amounts such as $.02-.05 per click or in points) for reading the e-mail and visiting the attached site.
On “get paid to surf” sites, users are asked to install some sort of software or “view bar” on their computer to track the websites that the user is visiting and to provide targeted advertisement. The payment is minute (typically $.50 per hour) and there are usually limitations on the numbers of hours that can be paid each month (20 hours/month is the average).
There are a number of legitimate survey sites, but the sites that are typically marketed as “get paid to take surveys” sites often are not legitimate. You have likely encountered one of these sites through an advertisement banner or pop-up advertisement. They will offer lucrative items such as gaming systems or $500 gift cards, but when you begin taking the “survey” you will find that you are never able to reach the end or that there are a number of additional “catches” where you have purchase items or apply for credit offers. I have yet to encounter anyone who has been able to complete or receive payment on one of these offers.
While the novelty of the other GPT sites mentioned above seems to have worn off, “get paid to complete offers” sites seem to be the “hot topic” on message boards and forums and these are the sites where I have seen people claiming that they have received large payouts. Typically, users are paid for completing trial offers (for example, Netflix or Blockbuster online), signing up for credit cards, or joining a mailing list.
Things you should know about “get paid to complete offers” sites
If you are considering signing up for a “get paid to complete offers” site, there are a few things that you should know and you really want to weigh out the pros and cons before deciding to try out these sites.
First, most of these sites operate on a multi-level marketing business model. Individuals usually receive some sort of incentive when referrals sign up using the referral links that they provide. In addition, they also receive monthly commissions based on the performance of their down-line. Individuals who are claiming to make hundreds to thousands of dollars per month likely got started early on and have a large down-line. While their intentions may be to help you make money, you must also understand that they are also motivated by the prospect of building their income base. If you are just starting out, it is very unlikely (although not impossible) that you will be able to build a referral base that would provide you with a significant income.
Next, “get paid to” sites do not offer consistent income. Some sites are more reputable than others. Even if you have researched a site and determined that it is “reputable” you may find that it is there one day and gone the next. Incentives for offers change, especially as more and more people begin to take advantage of the offer. You may be able to make a good amount of money your first month by completing offers, but once you have completed the majority of offers, there will not be as many available in upcoming months. Be aware that if you make $600, you will need to claim the money you make on your taxes. Also, there is also no guarantee that you will be paid for the offers that you complete. If you are looking for a consistent income, you should probably consider other options.
Finally, “get paid to” sites can wreak havoc on your computer. To access these sites and maximize your earning potential, it is typically recommended that you disable pop-up blockers, security software, and that you lower security settings. This leaves your computer vulnerable to potential damage from viruses and you also have to deal with whatever may pop up on the screen.
Tips for getting paid successfully
If you have decided that a “get paid to” site is right for you, the following tips will help you get started and complete offers successfully.
1. Research the site first. Do not jump on every “get paid to” site that you hear about because there are plenty of sites that are scams and you will never get paid and may also lose money for completing offers. You can check the track record of various sites by visiting BeenPaid.com or GPTBoycott.com.
2. Download or purchase a “cleaning” program for your computer such as Window Washer by Webroot. For best results, you will need to disable antivirus, pop up blockers, or firewalls as they can prevent you from receiving credit for your offers. It is recommended that you clear your cookies after completing each offer and that you leave your settings for cookies on the lowest level. In addition, browsers such as Internet Explorer or Firefox appear to work best on these sites.
3. Create one (or more) alternate e-mail addresses to use as the number of solicitation e-mails you will receive will increase significantly. It is also wise to create an alternate voice mail account (such as the one offered by privatephone.com) so that you do not have to give out your “real” phone number.
4. Begin with the “free” offers. Most sites have a feature that will allow you to sort offers into categories (free, trial, etc.).
5. If you choose to do trial offers, use a prepaid credit card (you can purchase these at drug stores like Walgreens and even some grocery stores carry them). They usually charge a fee ranging from $3-5 to “load” and “re-load” the card. Make sure you read the terms and conditions carefully before completing an offer and write down all pertinent information (date that you completed the offer, amount that you paid, terms of the offer, etc.). Keep track of information such as return policies and cancellation information. This can be a very time consuming process.
Reputable sites
I have found a few GPT sites where I have had good experiences. I have not made a fortune using any of these sites, but it has provided some nice supplemental income.
MyPoints.com
I have been a member of Mypoints.com for approximately three years now. I joined long before I had even heard of GPT sites. Mypoints.com could be classified as both a “get paid to read” and a “get paid to complete offers site.” It is well known and has a solid reputation. When you first sign up, you complete a profile based on your interests (it covers areas such as automotive, personal finance, shopping, and health).
You will receive offers via e-mail based on your interests. I typically receive 15-20 e-mails per week and I don’t consider any of them to be “SPAM” so I actually use my “real” e-mail address for this account. You typically receive five points for reading the messages (you click on a box included in the message to confirm that you have read it) and additional points for completing trial offers or registering for different web sites. Trial offers include music, magazine, and video services as well as book clubs and internet service.
There are additional exclusive offers available on their site and you can earn points for shopping through merchant links on the site, as well. The retailers include popular merchants such as Target, Wal-Mart, Eddie Bauer, Barnes and Noble, Pet Co, and even Overstock.com. Any time I need to do some shopping online, I always check this site first to see if I can earn points by making a purchase through the links on their site.
You also earn points by referring others. They usually offer 100 points per referral (once the person signs up and receives 125 points) and at times, they offer promotions where you can earn 200 points per referral.
Points are relatively easy to earn and can be exchanged for gift cards to a number of popular retail locations and restaurants including Gap, Old Navy, Linens ‘N Things, Target, Kohl’s, red Lobster, and Chili’s. The cards arrive quickly (within one to two weeks).
TreasureTrooper.com
Treasure Trooper was one of the first GPT sites that I joined and it came highly recommended by a number of people that I respect. I found that the site is relatively easy to navigate, payouts occurred consistently, and they also have fun games and treasure hunts that you can participate in to earn additional prizes.
There are a number of free offers (these include registering for different websites, completing free trials, and completing “surveys”). The payment for these offers ranges from $.50 to $15. There are also trials (where you usually have to pay something up front such as an initial membership fee or shipping and handling). Payment for trial offers ranges from $2.50 to $40. You can also earn money for signing up for credit card offers, shopping, and playing on various casino sites.
All offers are verified. Once you have completed an offer, it will initially show as “pending” during the verification period. When an offer has been verified, it will appear on your “approved” list and will also show on your “My Earnings” page. You receive an additional 20% for any earnings that your referrals receive and 5% on the money that their referrals earn. If you earn at least $20 by the end of the month, you will receive a payment via check between the 15th and the 20th of the following month.
I stopped using this site for awhile because there was a significant lag time in getting offers approved. They have since corrected this.
InstantProfitz.com
Instant Profitz also came highly recommended. When compared with Treasure Trooper, and especially if you are a beginning, I think that it is more difficult to navigate. The concept is exactly the same as Treasure Trooper in that you can receive payment for completing free offers, trials, and for shopping through the links on the site. You can sort the top offers, newest offers, free offers, and casino offers to find the ones that will work best for you. My experience has been that the payment for their trial offers is slightly higher than what Treasure Trooper offers.
Offers on this site also go through an approval period and when they have been approved, they will show on a “completion” list. Cash out on this site is not automatic like it is on Treasure Trooper. You must have at least $20 to cash out and payment options include: Paypal (they charge a $1 fee), check (with a $1 fee for postage), or via Super Certificate (they also charge a $1 fee and you must have a minimum of $26 to cash out). If you cash out by the end of the month, payment will be received by the 20th of the following month.
Instant Profitz also offers a referral program. Everyone gets a base rate of 10% for first level referrals and 2% for second level referrals. You get an increased rate of 15% for first level referrals and 3% for second level referrals if the referrals cash out above $100. You get a rate of 20% for first level referrals and 5% for second level referrals when those referrals cash out above $250.
